Esports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia will ‘entirely reimagine’ the gaming landscape, says Prince Faisal

Saudi Esports Federation Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. (SUPPLIED)

Short Url

https://arab.news/w8jhk

Updated 13 July 2024

Arab News

July 13, 2024 10:45

Esports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia will ‘entirely reimagine’ the gaming landscape, says Prince Faisal

The Kingdom will host the inaugural Esports Olympic Games in 2025 following International Olympic Committee announcement
Saudi Esports Federation Chairman Prince Faisal calls announcement ‘proud and humbling’ moment

Updated 13 July 2024

Arab News

July 13, 2024 10:45

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the inaugural Esports Olympic Games in 2025 will “entirely reimagine” the gaming and esports landscape, says Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation.

The news was announced by the International Olympic Committee on Friday afternoon. The IOC has partnered with the Saudi Arabian Olympic & Paralympic Committee under an ambitious 12-year agreement — with the Esports Olympic Games set to be held regularly throughout this time.

Saudi Arabia is currently hosting the inaugural Esports World Cup, at Boulevard Riyadh City until Aug. 25, and Prince Faisal said that this latest news consolidated the Kingdom’s position as a destination of choice for leading global esports events.

“The opportunity to host an event of this magnitude is a proud and humbling moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — it’s something that has captured the attention and imagination of game enthusiasts all around the world,” he said.

“Beginning next year, there’s no doubt that this brand-new event is destined to be a spectacle that entirely reimagines gaming and esports as we know it. It will bring the entire global community even closer together as the spirit of elite competition and international cooperation shine bright while the world’s best athletes provide moments of esports excellence that entertain, delight and inspire.”

In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, gaming and esports is one of 13 sectors being prioritized under the transformational socio-economic framework. From launching talent and infrastructure development projects to hosting international competitions, recent years have seen the Kingdom emerge as a global gaming and esports hub — supported by SEF and the ambitious National Gaming and Esports Strategy launched in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

With the Esports Olympic Games officially confirmed as a regular mainstay on the global calendar from next year onwards, Prince Faisal said that the Saudi-based Esports Olympics could mirror the success of the Summer Olympics by bringing the global community together for inspirational sporting events.

“For countless generations, the Olympic Games has been widely considered as the grandest stage in all of sport,” Prince Faisal said. “They represent something truly special and spectacular — an occasion where the world comes together to watch moments of magnificence that epitomize talent, teamwork, dedication and belief in one’s abilities to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

“It’s my sincere belief that the Esports Olympic Games will have a similar influence and impact. We’ve already seen esports — the new global sport — morph into a modern-day phenomenon where opportunities are there like never before for athletes to compete, excel and succeed. The Esports Olympic Games will continue this legacy — and we look forward to the honor and privilege of hosting the first-ever edition,” he said.

Topics: eSports Saudi Arabia

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Updated 08 August 2024

Arab News

August 08, 2024 11:14

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

The USA-Middle East based NBXL has partnered with the MENA division of sports rights agency Redstrike Global

Updated 08 August 2024

Arab News

August 08, 2024 11:14

RIYADH: NBXL, the world’s first USA-Middle East independent professional basketball league, has announced a strategic partnership with Redstrike Arabia.

This partnership marks a milestone in NBXL’s Middle East expansion strategy, particularly in Saudi Arabia where it plans to introduce the franchise’s fourth team.

Christian Villar, founder and owner of NBXL, highlighted how the partnership aligned with NBXL’s goal of extending its reach in the region. He also emphasized its potential to transform professional basketball, especially in Saudi Arabia, which is rapidly becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment.

This initiative promises to unlock new opportunities, spur innovation and enhance visibility, benefiting athletes and fans alike.

Saad Houtan, executive partner of Redstrike Arabia, the newly established Gulf Cooperation Council and Middle East and North Africa region division of sporting agency Redstrike Global, said he was enthusiastic about the partnership’s potential to support the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

“This partnership is a significant step towards fostering a business relationship that not only meets the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 but also promotes sustainable growth and innovation in the region,” he said.

Topics: basketball

The carve up of English and Welsh cricket begins with much-maligned The Hundred

Updated 08 August 2024

Jon Pike

August 08, 2024 10:42

The carve up of English and Welsh cricket begins with much-maligned The Hundred

Since its inception 4 years ago, the format has continued to struggle in the face of competition from other franchises

Updated 08 August 2024

Jon Pike

August 08, 2024 10:42

Strictly speaking, it is only the much-maligned The Hundred to which the knife is being applied, but the domestic repercussions are likely to be deep.

In mid-May, I suggested that a crossroads had been reached by the shorter and longer formats. Since then, events have moved at pace, accelerated by the upstart Hundred tournament in only its fourth season.

It has had a polarizing effect ever since its conception. Firstly, it is played in August, traditionally reserved for longer formats. Secondly, it has 100 deliveries per innings, delivered as sets of five that distinguish it from T20 cricket, which has 120 deliveries, delivered as normal six-ball overs.

Thirdly, out of the 18 counties which are the basis of professional cricket in England and Wales, seven, plus the MCC at Lord's, were selected to host city-based teams. Nominally, the teams are franchises but are effectively owned by the England and Wales Cricket Board, which has funded the tournament.

An ECB assessment of the tournament’s finances in 2023 suggested a $12.3 million (£9.7 million) loss was incurred in the first two years. This compares with the ECB’s claim the previous year — under the leadership which introduced the tournament — that it made a profit of almost $15.2 million. Defining relevant costs explains some of the difference.

Requiring a two-thirds majority amongst the counties to back the tournament, the ECB paid them almost $32 million in 2019 for their support. COVID-19 intervened to delay the start of the competition until 2021. The ECB claimed this support money was a sunk cost.

COVID-19’s impact on the ability of the Hundred to achieve the forecast financial returns was accompanied by its negative effect on the finances of the rest of the domestic game, from which most counties have struggled to recover.

In aggregate, the long-term debts of the counties are estimated to be some $280 million. Income is required to service this debt. This need, plus increased costs of operations, has caused the profit levels of most counties to fall. In 2022-2023, nine of the 18 reported losses and a further six reported only borderline profits.

It is in this context that the proposed privatization of the Hundred must be seen. The ECB is making 49 percent of its ownership of the tournament available to investors. The balance of 51 percent is to be held by each of the eight teams in the Hundred. They can decide to keep, sell completely or sell partially in a process that will be overseen by the ECB.

A share of the ECB’s asset sale will be distributed to those counties which do not have a franchise in the Hundred, whilst 10 percent will be allocated to the recreational game. Understandably, the prospect of largesse entering the game appeals to those who have struggled for so long to keep the counties as going concerns.

The period of sale is set for the three months from mid-September after this year’s edition has finished. There has been talk of uncertainty amongst potential investors about just what is being made available to buy. If an investor buys a 49 percent share from the ECB, who will be the owner or owners of the 51 percent? How will that relationship work and how will costs and income be shared? There are many variables and potential outcomes to be factored into the forthcoming complex negotiations.

In Hampshire, the likely outcome appears to have been settled ahead of the starting gun. On the brink of insolvency in 2001, Hampshire County Cricket Club was rescued by Rod Bransgrove, a local businessman. The HCCC moved to a new ground and switched from being a members’ club to a private limited company.

Over the years, the ground has been developed to include a hotel, a golf course, leisure and hospitality facilities. Now, this whole development is understood to be on the brink of being acquired by GMR Group, 50 percent owners of the Indian Premier League franchise, Delhi Capitals.

Bransgrove holds some 60 percent of shares in the company which owns the HCCC. The developments at the ground have been funded by debt and with the support of local government. The use of public money has raised opposition in the past. It is assumed that the $152 million which GMR is rumored to be paying includes full or partial repayment of these and other loans.

Full control of the Southern Braves, the Hundred’s men’s and women’s teams based at Southampton, will be taken. The deal will need to be approved by the ECB and it remains to be seen if its 49 percent share in the Southern Braves will be sold to GMR and, if so, at what price.

Without doubt, this is a landmark deal for cricket in England and Wales, a further step in radically altering its landscape, not just in respect of the Hundred. It breaks the mould of how professional cricket has been owned traditionally.

There are only two other member-only county clubs — Durham and Northamptonshire — neither of which has a Hundred team at present. Those who manage the seven franchises other than Hampshire are in communication with their members. It is known that demutualization is being discussed, especially at the heavily indebted Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

One threat which has become apparent for the Hundred in the last two weeks is the level of competition which it faces from other franchises. There has been overlap with the Major Cricket League in the US and Global T20 in Canada, with some players preferring to play in North America for either the whole tournament or part of it

It is the money which talks and the Hundred’s promoters need to move fast if they are to put themselves into prime position to attract the very top players for the whole tournament.

The increased ownership of franchises by Indian interests is clear to see within cricket’s global landscape. They bring investment which is craved by some in the English game. They also generate a fear amongst others of how county cricket’s culture and structure will be impacted.

There is an impression that, outside of a body of diehards, opposition to the Hundred’s sell-off is muted, largely because very few in power are prepared to pass up the investment opportunity.

Topics: Jon Pike Cricket Column

‘Fortnite,’ ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Teamfight Tactics’ kick off sixth week of Esports World Cup

Updated 08 August 2024

Arab News

August 08, 2024 09:48

‘Fortnite,’ ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Teamfight Tactics’ kick off sixth week of Esports World Cup

The 3 tournaments begin on Thursday and conclude with grand finals on Sunday
The Esports World Cup, which began on July 3 and features a record-breaking prize pool of $60m, runs until Aug. 25 at Boulevard Riyadh City

Updated 08 August 2024

Arab News

August 08, 2024 09:48

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup enters its sixth week of elite competition on Thursday, with the hotly anticipated “Fortnite,” “Street Fighter 6” and “Teamfight Tactics” tournaments entering the fray.

A team prize pool of $2.5 million is on offer across all three competitions at the SEF Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City — with $1 million each for “Fortnite” and “Street Fighter 6,” and $500,000 for “Teamfight Tactics.” There is also a $50,000 award to the MVP in each tournament.

The Esports World Cup has the largest prize pool in gaming history — at a whopping $60 million.

The group stages for all competitions take place on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, “Teamfight Tactics” enters the deciders and quarterfinal stages, with “Street Fighter 6” battling out phase two of the group stage and the quarterfinals. The “Fortnite” contest’s quarterfinals are on Saturday.

The winners will be decided on “Super Sunday” with the semifinals and the grand finals taking place in “Fortnite” and “Teamfight Tactics,” while “Street Fighter 6” will see the conclusion of phase two of the group stage, the playoffs, and the grand final.

The Esports World Cup runs until Aug. 25 at Boulevard City, and features 22 tournaments across 21 titles throughout its eight-week duration.

Topics: Esports World Cup

After months of grumbling, Parisians join the Olympics party

Updated 08 August 2024

AFP

August 08, 2024 09:03

After months of grumbling, Parisians join the Olympics party

The mood has shifted noticeably in the capital since the rain-soaked opening ceremony on July 26, with better weather, spectacular venues and the emergence of new national sporting heroes
The boisterous “Champions Park,” an Olympics innovation that sees medalists greet the public after their events, has been packed out with 27,000 people daily

Updated 08 August 2024

AFP

August 08, 2024 09:03

PARIS: After all the doubts, the grumbling and the gloom, Paris has finally embraced the Olympics, with some of its famously cynical residents even returning early from holidays to take part in the fun.

“My brother’s coming back early because I told him it’s brilliant,” 42-year-old Morad Sahbani told AFP as he pushed a pram at a packed fanzone in northwest Paris where thousands of locals were cheering on French medal hopefuls.

“I knew it was going to be good. We French like to criticize ourselves a lot, but in the end we do it well,” he added. “These Olympics have been a success... Lots of people regret not being here.”

The mood has shifted noticeably in the capital since the rain-soaked opening ceremony on July 26, with better weather, spectacular venues and the emergence of new national sporting heroes like swimmer Leon Marchand helping spark national pride.

Many wealthy Parisians fled the city for long summer vacations in July, deliberately avoiding what they expected to be Olympic transport gridlock, tourist overload and a security crackdown.

But those who stayed say they are enjoying the relaxed summer vibes, the intermingling with foreign sports fans, as well as free entertainment for anyone unable to afford the often astronomical ticket prices.

Fanzones with giant screens are packed and around 160,000 people are booking slots each evening to see the Olympic cauldron rise near the Louvre museum for free.

The boisterous “Champions Park,” an Olympics innovation that sees medalists greet the public after their events, has been packed out with 27,000 people daily.

“We’ve been really enjoying it,” Celia Damase, a 41-year-old mother of two, said at the fanzone in the northwestern 17th district.

Her children have been making use of free sports activities put on by Paris authorities and “the city feels friendlier than usual,” she said.

The concept for the Paris Games was to use the city as a stage and backdrop for the Olympics, rather than build new infrastructure at out-of-town locations, which was the model of many host cities in the past.

Much of the sport has taken place at temporary central locations, with skateboarding at the Place de la Concorde, fencing in the Grand Palais exhibition space, and beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower.

“We don’t need new stadiums,” said Agathe Chaigneau, a 50-year-old Parisian art dealer as she crossed the gilded Alexandre III bridge, the start point for the triathlon and marathon swimming.

“They’ve turned the city into a giant stadium. It’s marvellous,” she added.

Inside and outside venues, athletes and reporters have been left startled by the enthusiasm of the crowds.

Benoit Arrault, an air conditioning technician, attended the rugby 7s where France won a first gold under talismanic captain Antoine Dupont at a packed 80,000-capacity national stadium.

“I’ve never known an atmosphere like it at a rugby game,” the 43-year-old told AFP.

Around 500,000 people lined the streets for the cycling road race last weekend, while big crowds are expected again for the marathons on Saturday and Sunday.

French triathlon bronze medalist Leo Bergere said he had been surprised by the decibels as he ran through the city last week.

“It hurt our ears all the way round,” he told reporters with a smile.

With the plaudits building up, organizers are enjoying the chance to remind their critics that they had confidence all along.

Throughout the build up, they had insisted that the worries and complaints were a normal part of the Olympics host city experience, while Games supremo Tony Estanguet also blamed a national tendency for pessimism.

Paris deputy mayor Pierre Rabadan reminded reporters this week that he had spent a lot of time defending the Olympics from “widespread skepticism.”

“But we were convinced that we could produce this result,” he said, saying the public enthusiasm city authorities had always believed in was “now a fact.”

Not everything has gone to plan: the River Seine has regularly failed water quality tests, disrupting the triathlon.

The opening ceremony sparked a row about whether its artistic director had mocked Christianity with a drag queen dance routine.

Taxi drivers and restaurant owners say their businesses have been badly affected. The country still has no permanent government and political infighting surely awaits in September.

But for now, locals like Martine Pinto, a 46-year-old who runs a shop, are enjoying the moment.

“Everyone thought you wouldn’t be able to move around, that transport would be difficult and in the end it’s all fine. I think there are definitely people who regret leaving,” she told AFP.

Topics: Paris Olympics

US exit beach volleyball at Paris Olympics without a medal after men’s quarterfinal loss against Qatar

Updated 08 August 2024

August 08, 2024 05:47

US exit beach volleyball at Paris Olympics without a medal after men’s quarterfinal loss against Qatar

The 21-14, 21-16 loss to the Qatari team of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan in the quarterfinals on Wednesday made it the first American medal shutout
Defending men’s champions Anders Berntsen Mol and Christian Sandlie Sorum of Norway also impressed under the lights

Updated 08 August 2024

August 08, 2024 05:47

PARIS: Miles Partain and Andy Benesh couldn’t stop the slide so the US are leaving beach volleyball at the Paris Olympics without a medal for the first time.

The 21-14, 21-16 loss to the Qatari team of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan in the quarterfinals on Wednesday made it the first American medal shutout since the sport was added to the Olympic program at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Partain and Benesh carried American hopes with both women’s teams and the other men’s team already out of the tournament.

“I wish one of our teams did (win a medal),” Partain said. “We did the best we could.”

Benesh said the lack of American medals in the sport at the Paris Games was not necessarily because of a drop in the team’s level, but more because the general standard of play has gone up.

“It’s a little bit different than it was 20 years ago. There’s a lot of competition around the world,” Benesh said. “As a fan of beach volleyball it’s fun to watch, people are playing with different styles in men’s and women’s (competition).”

The American pair led 12-11 in the first set at Eiffel Tower Stadium, but some sloppy shot-making allowed the Qataris to pull away. Younousse and Tijan drew roars from the night-time crowd with some of their improvised moves.

“Qatar played really well,” Benesh said. “We just didn’t execute as well as them.”

The Qataris still have a chance to do better than in Tokyo three years ago, when their bronze was the first Olympic medal in beach volleyball for any Middle Eastern country.

“We are living our dream. We don’t have any expectations, we are just dreaming,” Younousse said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to play here in front of the Eiffel Tower with this amazing atmosphere.”

Defending men’s champions Anders Berntsen Mol and Christian Sandlie Sorum of Norway also impressed under the lights. They won 21-16, 21-17, beating Pablo Herrera Allepuz — a silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Games — and Adrian Gavira Collado of Spain.

Mol showed some soccer skills countryman Erling Haaland might have been proud of, rescuing a seemingly lost point with a smart flick of his right foot. The ball squirted up and Soerum won the point, then hugged Mol.

Norway clinched the first set when Mol pounced at the net for a smart block. Soerum’s spike at the net then won the match as a breeze cooled fans after some intense heat in the French capital. Mol celebrated with a spectacular backflip and Sorum didn’t bother trying to match him, settling for a comedic-looking backward roll.

They face the German pair of Clemens Wickler and Nils Ehlers in Thursday’s semifinals, while the Qataris will play Swedish jump-set specialists David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig.

In the women’s quarterfinals earlier Wednesday, the top-ranked Brazilian team of Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa beat Anastasija Samoilova and Tina Graudina of Latvia 21-16, 21-10.

The Brazilians sank to their knees and then hugged each other after winning on the second match point when Samoilova’s serve hit the net.

“It was difficult to read their serve, there was a lot of variation,” Silva Ramos said through a translator. “But we recovered well.”

The Latvian pair had taken an early 6-0 lead over the Brazilians, but it didn’t last.

“Obviously they are better than that as a team, and brought it back to their level,” Graudina said.

Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson of Canada reached the semifinals by beating Daniela Alvarez Mendoza and Tania Moreno Matveeva of Spain 21-18, 21-18.

Canada clinched a back-and-forth first set when Moreno Matveeva served long. After winning on their second match point, the Canadians dipped under the net and celebrated in front a handful of their flag-waving fans.

In Thursday’s semifinals, the Brazilians will face the Australian team of Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy — silver medalists at the Tokyo Games three years ago — while the Canadians take on Nina Brunner and Tanja Hueberli of Switzerland.

Topics: Paris Olympics

Esports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia will ‘entirely reimagine’ the gaming landscape, says Prince Faisal

Esports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia will ‘entirely reimagine’ the gaming landscape, says Prince Faisal

Saudi authorities arrest 5 suspects in separate drug-trafficking cases

At UNRWA summit, Pakistan reaffirms commitment to humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts in Gaza

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

7 talking points from USA Basketball Showcase in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Arena to host global basketball stars, legends, coaches and senior executives

The carve up of English and Welsh cricket begins with much-maligned The Hundred

The carve up of English and Welsh cricket begins with much-maligned The Hundred

Afghanistan cricket board bans Ihsanullah Janat over corruption

Naseem Shah returns to red-ball cricket as Pakistan names test squad for Bangladesh series

‘Fortnite,’ ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Teamfight Tactics’ kick off sixth week of Esports World Cup

‘Fortnite,’ ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Teamfight Tactics’ kick off sixth week of Esports World Cup

Team BDS target quadruple success in ‘lucky charm’ Riyadh after making history at the Esports World Cup

‘It’s like a paradise for esports players,’ says Not Ayanami after Riyadh triumph

After months of grumbling, Parisians join the Olympics party

After months of grumbling, Parisians join the Olympics party

US exit beach volleyball at Paris Olympics without a medal after men’s quarterfinal loss against Qatar

Paris Olympics food donations seek to help needy, contribute to sustainability and set an example

US exit beach volleyball at Paris Olympics without a medal after men’s quarterfinal loss against Qatar

US exit beach volleyball at Paris Olympics without a medal after men’s quarterfinal loss against Qatar

Lin moves into Olympic gold medal fight, Hall lands 400m track title

Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali retains Olympic steeplechase title

Latest updates

Egypt’s inflation slows to 25.7% in July

Fears for women’s rights as Iraqi bill resurfaces

Saudi ports report 15.72% growth in container handling for July

Norway says Israel revoking its envoys’ diplomatic status ‘will have consequences’

Fugitive Catalan ex-leader Puigdemont back in Spain despite arrest warrant

Recommended

What is behind the UK’s summer of discontent and riots?

What kind of future awaits Hamas after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran?

How a spate of terrorist attacks by a ‘resurgent’ Daesh threaten to push Syria deeper into chaos

Search form

Print Edition

Search form

Search form

You are here

Esports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia will ‘entirely reimagine’ the gaming landscape, says Prince Faisal

Esports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia will ‘entirely reimagine’ the gaming landscape, says Prince Faisal

Related

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Related

The carve up of English and Welsh cricket begins with much-maligned The Hundred

Related

‘Fortnite,’ ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Teamfight Tactics’ kick off sixth week of Esports World Cup

Related

After months of grumbling, Parisians join the Olympics party

Related

US exit beach volleyball at Paris Olympics without a medal after men’s quarterfinal loss against Qatar

Related

Latest updates

Recommended

Search form

Print Edition